Donna Marie MacDonald

MacDONALD, Donna Marie

February 5, 1949 to January 14, 2022                                                                 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donna after a courageous struggle with ALS.  She died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

Predeceased by her parents John and Mary MacDonald (nee MacMillan), she leaves behind her loving husband and devoted caregiver  Bryan Clark, her adoring sisters Colleen Berridge (Dave) and Heather MacDonald (Bob Patient).  She will be sadly missed by her nieces Laura MacDonald (Matt) and their children Jayden, Brady and Alex, and Allison Phillips (Brian) and their children, Makayla and Kalum. Donna has many cousins and friends who will remember her for her beautiful soul.

Throughout her life Donna radiated Loving Kindness.  She made it her mission to raise people up to see how special they were.  Her spirituality was the central focus in her life.  She will be fondly remembered by her many friends in the Ekankar community with whom she shared a spiritual path for many years.

Not only was Donna an accomplished public speaker, she was also a great storyteller.  We shared lots of laughs listening to her recount her many experiences, especially when she lived in Toronto.  But above all, she was a great listener.  When you talked to Donna about anything, you knew you were heard.

Donna made her career in the insurance business and retired from Manulife in 2017 after several years of service.  Her specialty being customer service, she treated her clients with the care and attention most of us reserve for close friends.  She was meticulous and focused on her work and formed close bonds with her colleagues.

No stranger to adversity, Donna had the ability to pick herself up, dust herself off and carry on.  No whining, no complaining. She truly owned her experiences.

Donna was generous to a fault and had a huge capacity for joy.  According to her, the most joyful day of her life was the day she married her soulmate, Bryan.  Once she moved to Lindsay from Toronto, she joined Bryan in community volunteer work and helped spread the love.

We will miss Donna immeasurably, but we are comforted by the fact that she is now at peace and we have so many beautiful memories to sustain us.

The family is truly grateful for all the support she received from her amazing caregivers (PSW’s), the doctors and nurses, Sunnybrook Health, The ALS Society and all the people in her community who showered her with love and affection during her ordeal. 

If so desired, a memorial donation to the ALS Society would be much appreciated.

Family and friends will celebrate Donna’s life when it is safe to gather again.  The celebration will be held in Lindsay.